Product classification
HS code for DEG: 2909.41
Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, 2,2-oxydiethanol (diethylene glycol, digol).
Classification of DEG under HS 2909.41
Diethylene glycol (DEG), or 2,2-oxydiethanol, is classified under HS code 2909.41. As an organic chemical, it falls within Chapter 29. Heading 2909 covers ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols, and their derivatives. DEG is specifically categorized as an ether-alcohol because its molecular structure contains both an ether linkage and hydroxyl groups. Subheading 2909.41 is the specific international code for this substance. Classification under this code requires the product to be a separate chemically defined compound, in accordance with Note 1 to Chapter 29. DEG is widely used as a solvent, a chemical intermediate, and in the production of polyurethanes and unsaturated polyester resins. Accurate classification is critical due to the chemical's profile and its regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions, particularly regarding its use in consumer products and its potential toxicity if misused.
- Covers
- Pure diethylene glycol (2,2-oxydiethanol)
- Technical grade diethylene glycol
- Digol (alternative name for DEG)
- DEG for use in antifreeze production (as a raw material)
- Also under 2909.41
- Dow Chemical Diethylene Glycol
- BASF DEG
- LyondellBasell Diethylene Glycol
- Shell Chemicals DEG
Codes often confused with 2909.41
Common mistake. DEG is frequently misclassified under 2905.31, which is the code for ethylene glycol (MEG). While related, they are chemically distinct. It may also be confused with 3820.00 if it is already prepared as an anti-freezing preparation or de-icing fluid. If the DEG is part of a mixture of various glycols, it might fall under 3824.99. Furthermore, other ether-alcohols like monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol are classified under 2909.43.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290941 (the code used for DEG), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290941 (the code used for DEG) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($3.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 290941, not only DEG.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $114M 23% of world exports
- 2 Canada $90M 18% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $54M 11% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($3.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $486M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $292M 33% of world imports
- 2 United States $74M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $72M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $890M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for DEG
Brazil classifies DEG under NCM 2909.41.00: HS 2909.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about DEG
What is the HS code for DEG?
The HS code for DEG is 290941 (Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; 2,2-oxydiethanol (diethylene glycol, digol)). The HS code for diethylene glycol (DEG) is 2909.41.
How do I classify DEG for customs?
DEG is classified under HS code 290941 — Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; 2,2-oxydiethanol (diethylene glycol, digol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is DEG classified as a hazardous material?
While the HS code 2909.41 identifies the chemical structure, transport and safety regulations (like IMDG or IATA) may classify it as hazardous depending on concentration and local laws.
Which countries are the top exporters of DEG (HS 290941)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290941 (the code used for DEG) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($114M, 23% of world exports), Canada ($90M) and Belgium ($54M). World exports came to about $486M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($3.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of DEG (HS 290941)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290941 (the code used for DEG) in UN Comtrade data were China ($292M, 33% of world imports), the United States ($74M) and Germany ($72M). World imports came to about $890M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for DEG the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290941 for DEG is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for DEG in Brazil?
In Brazil, DEG (HS 290941) is classified under NCM 2909.41.00.